Creative ways to find extra counter space

Most of us who plan a kitchen remodel fantasize that the results will land us in the pages of Better Homes and Gardens.

You've saved enough money to finally put in a beautiful kitchen island. Perhaps, while planning, you consider different design options and negotiate realistic solutions. You may even experience sticker shock along the way. But nothing is sadder than planning to build a kitchen island, or some other form of additional counter space, and realizing there is not enough space to build it.

I have taken on kitchen projects where such mishaps occur. The kitchen seems to have enough room for an island, but once we begin to measure and design, it is obvious we'll miss the minimum recommended space clearance.

Generally speaking, kitchen design dictates there be at least 36 inches of clearance between an island and the counter or appliance, such as a refrigerator. A 42-inch clearance is better. If one side of the island will serve as the walkway between the kitchen and another room, even more clearance space is recommended.

Measurements must be precise; even being 4 inches shy of the recommended clearance should give you pause.

It's possible to miscalculate the amount of available space in your kitchen. One of my clients became so contentious about the size of the kitchen island that I asked the builder to hammer plywood cutouts together at the exact size of their design. It was the only way I could prove to my dubious clients that an island simply would not work. It was a battle.

So, before you and your partner get yourselves into WWIII, do a little research to find size-appropriate ideas. There are many easily achievable kitchen-island designs that can provide additional storage space, and add functionality and visual appeal to your kitchen.

For example, you can finish the island with a gorgeous quartz countertop. Or, let the countertop be a maple butcher block to serve as a cutting board and food-prep area. Some models offer box drawers for utensil storage; pullout wire bins for pots, pans and vegetables; a wine-storage cubby, and even shelves to store recipe books.

You may even find a design with a shelf deep enough to hold a microwave. A built-in island is typically about 36 inches in depth. However, there are plenty of modified designs that can accommodate a tiny kitchen.

Smaller islands with any of the above amenities are available. One great option for tiny-home dwellers is to add wheels with locking casters to your island. That way, you can roll it to the middle of the room, against the wall or inside the pantry - wherever works best in the moment. And, many designs include a hidden pullout cutting-board extension. You can mount paper towels on an end or include a towel bar, too.

Mobile islands range between 18 and 24 inches deep, saving you a ton of space.

There may be more feature options available if you go custom as opposed to purchasing more standard options in stores. Consider, for example, a foldaway surface. Cabinetmakers can create custom European-style prep areas/eating surfaces that fold down from the wall and are supported by foldout legs.

It is possible to create a custom island design to fit your size needs, but remember that a custom-design approach comes with a bigger price tag. A cabinet shop rarely makes custom pieces from scratch; carpenters often order standard doors or drawer fronts as part of a custom piece. Of course, if you live in a tiny home, you might consider modeling your kitchen after one in a motor home or yacht.

When it comes to kitchen islands and other additional kitchen features, one size does not fit all, but there is something for everyone.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate